Kavalan launches limited edition Artist Series Collector Set
Consisting of four limited edition bottlings with a silkscreen print by Paul Chiang, the Kavalan Artist Series includes the following whiskies (L-R): Puncheon, Virgin Oak, French Wine Cask and Peated Malt and showcases the natural beauty of the artist’s homeland of Taiwan
Kavalan, the pioneering force behind Taiwanese whisky, has launched its Kavalan Artist Series Collector Set, a new range of expressions that aims to highlight the fine art of whisky.
The first edition introduces four bottlings in collaboration with master artist Paul Chiang, who has traveled the globe in pursuit of an “art-infused life”. In 1988, he returned to Taiwan and in Taitung, the artist immersed himself in the abundance of nature. Drawing creative energy from his homeland, Chiang’s work is inspired by classical music and the natural beauty of Taiwan.
The single-cask, cask-strength whiskies: Puncheon, Virgin Oak, French Wine Cask and Peated Malt are inspired by four elements: ocean, air, sunlight and Mother Earth, each of which plays and essential role in the creation of Kavalan whisky.
The distillery will release a total of 198 collector sets, which come with four 700-ml bottlings. In addition, each set will include a uniquely numbered and signed edition of one of two silkscreen prints by Paul Chiang titled “Pisilian” or “Mountain Range of Taiwan”. Meanwhile, a total of 4,000 individual bottles will be released, bottled at 1,000-ml for individual purchase.
Peated Malt is Kavalan’s second Shave, Toast and Rechar (STR) whisky and serves as the follow up to the World’s Best Single Malt (WWA) winner, Solist Vinho Barrique.
“Art, like whisky, has the power to stir deep emotion. However, this takes decades of hard work and commitment to mastering your craft.
Take 'Puncheon', which depicts the sea, sky, and stars. Paul painted this work after returning to Taiwan after 30 years, settling on the coast in Taitung. [The consumer] can feel the euphoria of that time and the beauty of rediscovery.
We want to bring together great art and our rarest whisky to connoisseurs an expression of the finest artistry. We are honored to be collaborating with Paul on the inaugural edition,” says YT Lee, CEO, Kavalan.
Offering an expression of the finest artistry, the distillery will release a total of 198 collector sets, which come with four 700-ml bottlings and a uniquely numbered and signed edition of one of two silkscreen prints titled “Pisilian” or “Mountain Range of Taiwan”
A summary of the whiskies
Puncheon: 50-63% ABV
Print: “Pisilian”
Product description: aged in Puncheon casks and as rare as deep ocean treasure, this whisky is effortlessly smooth in texture with waves of tantalizing flavor
Nose: roasted biscotti bathed in crème de pêches, smooth vanilla, sweet white peach, and maple syrup
Palate: waves of sweet toffee, white-fleshed nectarine, tropical fruits and hints of rich nuttiness
Virgin Oak: 50-63% ABV
Print: “On Wings of Song”
Product description: virgin oak barrels form the body of this Kavalan symphony in which sweet notes of tropical fruits and honey are generously infused
Nose: smoked plum, purple grape, buttery vanilla, rich beeswax, wafts of crisp floral notes, apricot and peach
Palate: bursts of spicy oak, sweet honey, autumn pear and chestnuts, ripened guava and cinnamon spice
French Wine Cask: 50-63% ABV
Print: “Meditation on Eternity”
Product description: matured in red wine barrels from the finest wineries in Bordeaux, France, this opulent whisky has a rich aroma with full-bodied texture
Note: vibrant berry and blackcurrant, sweet pepper, apple, caramel and ripened fruit
Palate: tropical fruit, wild berries, dried fruits, soft tannins and subtle spice
Peated Malt: 50-63% ABV
Print: “Jinzun/Summer”
Product description: using malt smoked with deep-mined peat, Kavalan's signature tropical fruits are infused with the peated smokiness in this one-of-a-kind drop; with an earthy depth, this complex whisky is accentuated by the brand’s STR technique on the barrels for a unique maturation
Nose: layers of honeycomb, smooth toffee and sweet coconut
Palate: buttered toffee and peaty and earthy notes on a bed of red pepper, generous spice and rich longan
The Kavalan Artist Series is now on sale across Taiwan. Individual bottles will be priced at an RRP of NTD$12,000.
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